Under threat care home praised by health inspectors

Health inspectors have praised the standard of care at a home for the elderly which could close under council cost-cutting plans.

Siegen Manor Resource Centre in Morley, which has been part of a consultation by Leeds City Council, was rated as “Good” in all areas of a new report by the Care Quality Commission.

The council-run care home houses up to 30 elderly people and campaigners launched a petition in December, backed by Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns, to keep the facility open.

Coun Robert Finnigan Morley North) said: “We are very proud of Siegen Manor in Morley and the staff that work there. I am not surprised the inspectors have seen the quality of care there is good.”

Inspectors from the health watchdog said the service provided at the facility was safe, effective, caring, well-led and responsive.

The report, published on January 22, said: “People told us the staff were kind, compassionate and patient. We observed this to be the case throughout the inspection.”

Despite the glowing report, the care home is one of three in Leeds earmarked for closure as the council aims to slash its budget.

Once the council’s consultation ends, a report will be considered by its executive board.

Mr Finnigan added: “The only option on the table at the consultations has been closure and dispersal of residents to private care homes.

“But we have an alternative, to create a new Extra Care facility and move people there before closing it - that’s what the residents have told us they wanted because they accept the building is past its sell-by date.”

Extra Care housing allows people to live in their own homes with assisted living provision.